Blowing snow continues to make travel difficult across most of Iowa #iatraffic
AMES, Iowa – Dec. 22, 2013 – Snowfall has ended through most of the state, however wind gusts of up to 30 mph into the evening will continue to make travel difficult through Monday morning. The Iowa Department of Transportation is working to clear roads, but blowing can cause roadways to quickly re-cover with snow or glaze with a thin layer of ice after trucks pass through. Most roadways in central, southern and eastern Iowa are currently partially or completely covered.
The Iowa DOT reminds travelers that trips during severe winter weather can take three or four times longer than normal. Motorists are urged to monitor weather and road conditions before traveling – stay informed and plan ahead – road condition information is available from the resources listed below.
- Web: Visit the 511 Iowa website at http://511ia.org/
- Phone: When in Iowa call 511, or 800-288-1047 from outside of Iowa.
- Rest areas: Free Wi-Fi service is available at the Iowa DOT interstate rest areas so you can view the 511 website (http://511ia.org/) on your computer from the convenience of your vehicle; or step indoors to view the website and radar images on the easy-to-operate kiosk.
- Dynamic message boards: National Weather Service warnings are posted on the dynamic message boards displayed above or along highways at key locations throughout the state. When necessary, interstate closure information is also made available on these signs.
- Mobile communication device: The road condition map and text route reports are available for viewing on your mobile communication device. Visit http://511ia.org/ to learn more. Cell phones and other mobile communication devices should only be used when parked and off the traveled portion of the roadway.
- Twitter: Receive metro area Twitter alerts for Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Quad Cities or Sioux City. http://hb.511ia.org/main.jsf?view=twitter
- Facebook: Visit http://511ia.org/ to learn how to receive travel information via Facebook.
- E-mail: Receive winter road closure and other travel advisories directly in your inbox. Visit http://511ia.org/ to subscribe to “MyReports,” customizable to the route(s) you plan to travel or highway you use for your daily commute.
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For media access to an Iowa DOT Highway Division spokesperson during this winter event, call 515-233-7960